As with every other illness, patients need some time of rest to help them recover and this may include medical leave for a short period and a gradual return to light and then normal duty. It is important that families understand the illness and their role in facilitating recovery. It is important to have a balanced diet with reduction in fatty and fried foods as well as avoidance of alcohol.

Stress relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, progressive muscular relaxation or yoga complement the treatment. Peer support or talking to others who may have undergone the same illness helps to instill hope and understanding. Depression is a relapsing illness but you can prevent relapses by various techniques that your Doctor will be able to advise you.

Tips to Helping Yourself

What to eat?

Your diet can make a big difference in how you feel. Some of the important things in diet is:

* Limiting your intake of fats, sweets, and alcohol
* Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables
* Drinking lots of water
* Reducing salty snacks and soft drinks
* Avoiding high fatty and deep-fried foods

Exercise is essential

* Proper exercise does so many good things for your body. It can raise your energy level, reduce tension, and even relieve tiredness or fatigue.
* Going for a walk or a jog a few times a week can improve your health and your overall sense of well-being.
* Your body releases a substance called endorphins. One job of endorphins is to decrease the sensation of pain that your body may be feeling and increase a sense of feeling good. Exercises helps release endorphins.
* When you’re focusing on the exercise activity, you may often forget your day-to-day worries. Taking your mind off these gives you a “mental break” that can make all the difference.

Talking to others

* The role of your family, friends, religion is important in helping you to overcome your depression. Moreover, you need to know that there is someone you can talk to, openly and honestly.
* It is important that you remember that there are people who do care about what you’re going through, and they want to know how you feel.